More Time with the Shorties

7th and 11th November 2023

It seems to be a good winter for Short-eared Owls with good numbers at many sites and no less than 11 at Wallasea Island, so time for another couple of visits. This year there are more birds than usual but their behaviour is quite different to previous years as instead of quartering the same albeit large favourite areas they are spread across the whole site which makes close-up shots a little more elusive especially as some parts of the site are less accessible. Occasionally, however, one will land in a relatively bare field quite close to the road. Just love the way they try and stare you out.

Hopefully the sun will hold out until dusk for some flight shots.

Just look at those eyes!!!

And if you are lucky one will put on a performance and provide you with some action shots.

But the one thing that amazes me is that with 1750 acres to share they don't seem to be able to live side-by-side without territorial disputes!!!!